Diagnosing odontogenic sinusitis of endodontic origin: A multidisciplinary literature review.

PURPOSE: Endodontic disease is one of the most common causes of bacterial odontogenic sinusitis (ODS). Diagnosing ODS of endodontic origin involves otolaryngologists confirming sinusitis, and dental specialists confirming endodontic sources. The purpose of this study was to conduct a multidisciplinary literature review to highlight clinical and microbiological features of ODS, and the most optimal diagnostic modalities to confirm endodontic disease. METHODS: An extensive review of both medical and dental literature was performed by rhinologists, endodontists, and an infectious disease specialist. Frequencies of various clinical and microbiological features from ODS studies were collected, and averages were calculated. Different endodontic testing and imaging modalities were also evaluated on their abilities to confirm endodontic disease. RESULTS: ODS patients most often present with unilateral sinonasal symptoms for over 3 months, purulence on nasal endoscopy, and overt dental pathology on computed tomography (CT). Subjective foul smell, and maxillary sinus cultures demonstrating anaerobes and α-streptococci (viridans group) may be more specific to ODS. For endodontic evaluations, cold pulp testing and cone-beam CT imaging are most optimal for confirming pulpal and periapical disease. CONCLUSION: Diagnosing ODS requires collaboration between otolaryngologists and dental specialists. Clinicians should suspect ODS when patients present with unilateral sinonasal symptoms, especially foul smell. Patients will generally have purulent drainage on nasal endoscopy, and both sinus opacification and overt dental pathology on CT. However, some patients will have subtle or absent dental pathology on CT. For suspected endodontic disease, endodontists should be consulted for at least cold pulp testing, and ideally cone-beam CT.

Clinical and radiologic findings in a case series of maxillary sinusitis of dental origin.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary sinusitis of dental origin (MSDO) has been described for decades, but tends to be overlooked as a possible cause of chronic sinusitis by both clinicians and radiologists. The incidence of MSDO in published series is reported to be from 10% to 40% in bacterial sinusitis. We present this series to highlight clinical and radiologic indicators of MSDO. METHODS: Databases from the authors' otolaryngology and endodontic practices were reviewed to identify patients who had been seen mutually. Sixty-seven (67) patients were identified. Both authors then reviewed the clinical records and associated computed tomography (CT) scans and determined that 31 patients had MSDO and 2 of had bilateral MSDO, for a total of 33 cases. The clinical and radiologic features related to these cases were then tabulated. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics of the 33 cases of MSDO were as follows: sinus pain (88%), postnasal drainage (64%), congestion (45%), maxillary toothache (39%), and foul drainage (15%). Radiographic CT findings of MSDO showed periapical abscess in 18 cases (55%), periodontal abscess in 3 cases (9%), and no obvious dental pathology in 12 cases (36%). The extent of associated sinusitis was variable from mucoperiosteal thickening to florid unilateral sinusitis involving multiple sinuses. Eighteen maxillary sinuses (55%) were found to have either patent maxillary infundibula or prior surgical antrostomy. Twenty-four patients (77%) had unilateral maxillary sinus disease. CONCLUSION: MSDO should be considered highly likely when radiographic evidence of dental pathology is associated with maxillary sinus disease. Regardless of negative CT evidence of dental pathology, MSDO should be suspected when unilateral maxillary sinus disease is seen, particularly when associated with a patent infundibulum. When MSDO is suspected, a clinical endodontic examination should be performed to rule out or treat an odontogenic etiology.